Applying for the US visa in Nigeria isn’t really difficult but many applicants fail to scale the hurdle because of ignorance.
In this post, you will find out the necessary information you ought to have in order to be successful at your next visa interview.
Once you’ve decided that you want to apply for the US visa, the first thing you should do is to check your visa eligibility.
Prior to your application, your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of return.
Also, you need to commence this process at least three months before your travel date.
Basically, there are two types of non-immigrant or visitor visa. These are the Tourism visa (B-2) and the Business visa (B-1)
If you’re applying for the B-1/B-2 visa, you must convince the consular officer that you qualify for a U.S. visa in accordance with the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). This is found on Section 214(b) of the INA which presumes that every B-1/B-2 applicant is an intending immigrant until establishes to the satisfaction of the consular officer at the time of application that s/he is entitled to non-immigrant status. As a result, you have to demonstrate the following in the course of your application process:
- That the purpose of your trip to the U .S. is for a temporary visit, such as business, pleasure, or medical treatment
- That you plan to remain in the U.S. for a specific, limited period of time
- Evidence of funds to cover your expenses while in the United States
- That you have a residence outside the U.S., as well as other binding social or economic ties, that will ensure your return abroad at the end of your visit
If you’re ready to go ahead with the application, you must prepare the following documents to be submitted in the course of your application:
- A Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) Form. Visit theDS-160 webpage for more information about the DS-160.
- A passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States
- If more than one person is included in your passport, each person desiring a visa must submit an application.
- A colour passport photo in line with the required format by the U.S Embassy.
- A receipt showing payment of your US$160 non-refundable nonimmigrant visa application processing fee paid in naira.
You should ensure that your supporting documents are original because fraudulent documents or misrepresentation can result in permanent visa ineligibility.
You can also bring the following documents although it may not be necessary.
- Current proof of income, tax payments, property or business ownership, or assets
- Your travel itinerary and/or other explanation about your planned trip
- A letter from your employer detailing your position, salary, how long you have been employed, any authorized vacation, and the business purpose, if any, of your U.S. trip
- Criminal/court records pertaining to any arrest or conviction anywhere, even if you completed your sentence or were later pardoned.
If you’re a working adult, you can bring along your employment letter from your employer and pay slips from the most recent three months.
If you’re businessman or an executive, you can also bring evidence of your position in the company and remuneration.
If you’re visiting a relative, you’ll need to submit photocopies of your relative’s proof of status (e.g. Green Card, naturalization certificate, valid visa, etc).
If you were previously in the United States, any documents attesting to your immigration or visa status could be useful.
It can take up to two months before securing an appointment at the visa office however the processing time for the application usually takes 5 to 15 working days. Generally, the appointment and processing time is dependent on the type of application and the period when you’re applying.
The visa fees cost $160 which is approximately N58, 000. You can make payment at GTBank. This can be done at any branch of the bank or online. However, you will need to take your passport along with you when going to the bank.
Don’t forget to collect your receipt after making the payment as you will need to show it as proof of payment at the interview centre
After submitting your U.S. visa application online, you can prepare for the interview at the embassy or consulate general either in Lagos or Abuja.
The location of the embassy in Abuja is at Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive Central District Area, Abuja, Nigeria
Other details include:
- Website: ng.usembassy.gov
- Telephone: (234) 9 461 4000
- Email: consularabuja@state.gov
- Hours: Monday to Friday 8 AM – 4 PM
The Lagos Embassy is located at 2 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Nigeria
Other details include:
- Website: ng.usembassy.gov
- Telephone: (234) 1 460 3600
- Email: lagosNIV@state.gov
- Hours: Monday to Thursday 7 am – 4 pm; Friday 7 am – 1 pm.
If your application is successful, you can get your passport by either picking it up from a DHL or VFS collection office. Or you can use courier delivery to send it to your chosen address.
You will be notified once your passport is ready for collection. If you need to submit additional documents for processing, you can drop it at one of the DHL or VFS drop-off and collection offices.
Below are the VFS Document Drop-off Locations in the Country:
Abuja Centre: 38 Lobito Crescent, Wuse II
Ikeja Centre: 16 Billings Way, Oregun Industrial Area, Ikeja, Lagos
Lekki Centre: Block 94, Plot 23, Providence Street, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lekki, Lagos
Or you can drop the documents at the DHL Document Drop-Off Locations at any of the locations below:
Abuja Centre: 63 Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse 11
Isolo Centre: New Airport road junction, Apapa Oshodi Express Way, Isolo, Lagos
Victoria Island Centre: Plot 230 Muri Okunola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos
Kaduna Centre: 16 Ahmadu Bello Way, Sabon Gari, Kaduna
Port Harcourt Centre: 82 Trans Amadi Road, Okuruama